Easy Steps to Delete Duplicate Photos on iPhone

Duplicate photos on your iPhone can take up valuable storage space and make it harder to find the pictures you really want. Removing these duplicates helps keep your photo library clean and organized. Luckily, there are easy ways to delete duplicate photos directly from your device.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to identify and delete duplicate images without any confusion. Whether you prefer using built-in features or third-party apps, you’ll find an approach that works for you.

By following these instructions, you can free up storage and enjoy a more streamlined photo collection. Let’s get started with the basics and then move to some advanced options.

Keep reading to learn how to quickly and safely remove duplicate photos from your iPhone.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure your iPhone has enough battery life or connect it to a charger during the process.
• Back up your photos to iCloud or your computer to avoid losing any important images accidentally.
• Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 16 or later to use the native duplicate detection feature in the Photos app.
• Have enough free storage space if you plan to use third-party apps for scanning duplicates.

Step 1: Use the Built-in Duplicate Detection in Photos (iOS 16 and Later)

Starting with iOS 16, Apple added a helpful feature that automatically groups duplicate photos in the Photos app. This is the simplest way to find and delete duplicates without any extra apps.

1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Albums tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Scroll down to the Utilities section and select Duplicates.
4. You will see any photos that the system has identified as duplicates grouped together.
5. Tap Merge on each group to combine duplicates. This keeps the best version and deletes the extras.

Why this step is important: Merging duplicates saves storage and prevents clutter without risking the loss of your favorite photos. The system automatically selects the highest quality image to keep.

Step 2: Manually Review and Delete Duplicate Photos

If your iPhone does not support the built-in duplicate feature or you want more control, manually finding duplicates is an option. This method is simple but can take more time.

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Go to the Library tab and scroll through your pictures.
3. Look carefully for photos that appear very similar or identical.
4. Tap Select in the top right corner and choose the duplicates you want to remove.
5. Tap the trash icon and confirm by selecting Delete Photos.

Why this step is important: Manual deletion gives you full control over what you keep or delete, ensuring no important images are accidentally removed.

Step 3: Use Third-Party Apps to Find and Delete Duplicates

If you have a large photo library or want to automate the process, third-party apps can make it easier. These apps scan your photos and help identify duplicates quickly.

• Popular apps include Gemini Photos, Remo Duplicate Photos Remover, and Photo Cleaner.
• Download and install the app from the App Store.
• Open the app and grant it permission to access your photos.
• Run a scan to find duplicate photos.
• Review the suggested duplicates and delete the ones you don’t want.

Why this step is important: Third-party apps save time by automating duplicate detection, especially helpful if you have thousands of photos.

Step 4: Prevent Duplicate Photos in the Future

After cleaning up duplicates, it’s a good idea to avoid creating more. Here are some tips:

• Be careful when importing photos from other devices or cloud services; avoid importing the same photos multiple times.
• Use the iCloud Photos library to sync and organize photos across devices automatically.
• Periodically check the Duplicates album if you have iOS 16 or later.

Following these habits helps keep your photo library tidy over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does deleting duplicates remove photos from all devices?

A: If you use iCloud Photos, deleting a photo on one device removes it from all devices signed into the same Apple ID. Otherwise, photos remain on other devices.

Q: Can I recover deleted photos?

A: Yes, deleted photos remain in the Recently Deleted album for 30 days before permanent removal. You can restore them within this time frame.

Q: Are third-party duplicate photo remover apps safe?

A: Most apps on the App Store are safe, but always check reviews and privacy policies before granting access to your photos.

Q: Will merging duplicates reduce photo quality?

A: No, merging keeps the best quality photo and deletes only the extras, so your library quality remains intact.

When Nothing Works

If you are still struggling with duplicate photos or encounter issues, consider these options:

• Restart your iPhone and try the steps again.
• Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version for improved features and bug fixes.
• Contact Apple Support for personalized assistance: https://support.apple.com/
• Restore your iPhone from a backup if duplicates appeared after a sync or import error.

Conclusion

Deleting duplicate photos on your iPhone is essential for saving storage space and keeping your photo library tidy. Using the built-in duplicate detection in iOS 16 and above offers a quick and safe way to merge copies. For those with older iOS versions or large libraries, manual review or third-party apps provide effective alternatives.

Regularly managing duplicates and following best practices will help maintain a clean and organized photo collection. With these easy steps, you can enjoy a clutter-free iPhone photo library and free up space for new memories.